Glossary of Computer and Internet Terms

Here are some terms you may encounter while using a computer or surfing the Internet...

AUP--Acceptable Use Policy--details the conditions under which computer users agree to use workstations, email, and/or Internet access, as well as other network applications

Bookmark--A way to mark a website that makes it easy to return to the site later. This term is usually used in conjunction with the Netscape browser. When using the Internet Explorer browser, you may mark a website by using the "Add to Favorites" command

Browser--A software application that is used to look at the information on the Internet; for example: Netscape Navigator, Microsoft Internet Explorer

CPU--Central Processing Unit--A desktop or tower computer; usually contains the hard drive, CD ROM drive, and floppy disk drive, as well as the connection ports for the keyboard, mouse, speakers, etc.

Filtering Software--Programs that control access to certain Internet websites, based on established criteria; for example: I-Gear

Home Page--The page (usually the first page you encounter) at each website that serves as an entry page to all information contained within that site

HTML --HyperText Mark-up Language--the language or code by which webpages are created

http:// --HyperText Transfer Protocol--the means by which the webpages/files are transferred between computers

ISP --Internet Service Provider--Any company or service that provides Internet access; for example: America Online, Exotrope, Road Runner

LAN--Local Area Network--A cluster of computers that are connected through a network; for example: a computer lab within a school, the Elmira City School District within BOCES

Listserv--An email-based, free subscription discussion list, usually devoted to a specific topic (e.g., physical education, inclusion, social studies standards, etc.); the format allows participants to pose questions to the entire list, respond to others' questions, and easily share information

MIDI --Musical Instrument Digital Interface--A method of connecting a musical instrument to a computer that allows for composition, editing, and performance of music

Modem--An electronic device that links a computer to the online world via a telephone line

Netiquette--Internet etiquette. Please use proper netiquette when emailing others, especially on a listserv--don't write anything you wouldn't want EVERYONE else to read

Recordable CD ROM (Sometimes called a CD Burner)--A CD ROM drive that allows the user to store data on a blank CD, similar to how data is stored on a floppy disk

Scanner--A device that captures images from paper and converts them to digital form for storage or editing on a computer

Search Engine--A website that is used to search other websites for specific information; for example: Yahoo, AltaVista, Dogpile

T1--A type of line that carries up to 1.5 million bits per second; the fastest speed commonly used to connect networks to the Internet

URL --Uniform Resource Locator--the address for a particular webpage

WAN--Wide Area Network--A larger group of computers that are connected through a network; may include several LANs; for example: the SCT BOCES network, which includes Elmira, Elmira Heights, Corning Painted-Post, Watkins Glen, Waverly, Odessa-Montour, Spencer-Van Etten, and Horseheads